30,000 welcome Olympic Torch to city

They came in their thousands to get a fleeting glimpse of the Olympic Flame as it arrived in Bradford on its mammoth 8,000-mile journey across the UK.

Bradford Council has estimated 30,000 spectators greeted the Torch Relay as it passed through the city.

Voluntary worker Thomas Stokes, 20, carried the 2012 torch into City Park and performed the hand-over to star swimmer
Jamie Brown as their proud families and crowds of spectators lined the streets to cheer them on.

Jamie, a member of City of Bradford Swimming Club, took up his leg of the torch relay from the city centre in memory of his grandad, Tom Brown, who died of cancer in May. The 18-year-old described
his selection as one of the UK’s 8,000 torch bearers as “unbelievable.”

His grandma Eva Brown, of Allerton, said she thought she would “burst with pride” at watching her grandson carrying the torch.

Mrs Brown, 64, of Ayresome Oval, said: “His grandad would have been over the moon with him.

“We are all really really proud. His grandad had wanted to come, but it was not to be.”

Thomas, who had dedicated himself to voluntary work since the age of 12, was nominated by his colleagues at the One In a Million charity, based at Bradford City Football Club, which helps children
in deprived areas.

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The teenager, who grew up on the Canterbury estate and now lives in Little Horton, said: “It was absolutely
amazing, one of the best things I have ever had the privilege of taking part in.”

Edwin Mclean, of East Bierley, Bradford, had front-row spot only yards from the flame hand-over. He had brought his nine-year-old son Isaac, who he will
be taking to watch sprint relays at the London games in August.

Mr Mclean described yesterday’s events as “fantastic.”

“It’s great to see the people of Bradford coming out to support it. It shows that the Olympics are not just a London thing, it is national, for everyone to celebrate.”

Mrs Gospel said: “We had a great view of the torch – it all happened right in front of us – and it has been excellent. We live in Dewsbury but we wanted to come to Bradford to see it with all the
family.”

There were also huge crowds in Lister Park, Manningham, where there were sports-themed celebration events before the torch relay arrived.

Among the torch bearers was 37-year-old Khalil Hussain, who has worked all his life to promote community cohesion in Manningham.

Hundreds of people were chanting his nickname “Jerry” when he brought the flame to the park.

Mr Hussain, who works at an inclusion officer at Springwood Community Primary School, said: “It was unbelievable and right up there as one
of my best days ever. I am humbled by the support I have received from the community in Bradford. There have been so many people of different backgrounds coming together. It is what the Olympics is
all about.”

In Centenary Square, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, proudly led more than a thousand children who attend schools across the district –
and 200 brass band members – in a celebration parade.

Youngsters waving Union flags, home-made Olympic torches and banners of their individual schools were led on the parade in City Park by the Lord Mayor, Yorkshire band leaders and a
colourfully-dressed MC.

Pupils at St William’s Catholic Primary School were involved in the parade, which snaked around City Park before ending at the steps of City Hall.

Head teacher Claire Gardner said: “We have 32 children who have all come with their parents, so it has been a lovely atmosphere and a great experience for them.”

The Lord Mayor said: “The children have been really enthusiastic about seeing the torch and we were blessed by the sunshine. Everybody has really enjoyed themselves.”

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Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch
relay in particular.

“It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.”

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Comments (19)

Don't forget Brighouse we saw it there as a family it was great. What was also lovel were the coppers on their bikes partaking in the fun and geeing the crowds up and then of course the sun came out for Yorkshire in the end

Don't forget Brighouse we saw it there as a family it was great. What was also lovel were the coppers on their bikes partaking in the fun and geeing the crowds up and then of course the sun came out for Yorkshire in the endhaterugbysometimes

Don't forget Brighouse we saw it there as a family it was great. What was also lovel were the coppers on their bikes partaking in the fun and geeing the crowds up and then of course the sun came out for Yorkshire in the end

Score: 0

Apollo says...8:45am Mon 25 Jun 12

Yorkshire has been particularly blessed with sunshine and good weather for the whole period the torch has been in the county. Perhaps we should keep it here?

Yorkshire has been particularly blessed with sunshine and good weather for the whole period the torch has been in the county.
Perhaps we should keep it here?Apollo

Yorkshire has been particularly blessed with sunshine and good weather for the whole period the torch has been in the county. Perhaps we should keep it here?

Score: 0

johnhem says...9:15am Mon 25 Jun 12

sounds like a plan, though its the only way people in the north are likely to benefit from the olympics. does anyone actually know anyone thats going? apart from family of those involved of course.

sounds like a plan, though its the only way people in the north are likely to benefit from the olympics. does anyone actually know anyone thats going? apart from family of those involved of course.johnhem

sounds like a plan, though its the only way people in the north are likely to benefit from the olympics. does anyone actually know anyone thats going? apart from family of those involved of course.

Score: 0

RuggerTyke says...1:22pm Mon 25 Jun 12

Apollo wrote…

Yorkshire has been particularly blessed with sunshine and good weather for the whole period the torch has been in the county. Perhaps we should keep it here?

They can do the 100m Butterfly in Manningham Baths, or the 'mirror' pond and the sprints in Horsfall Stadium.

[quote][p][bold]Apollo[/bold] wrote:
Yorkshire has been particularly blessed with sunshine and good weather for the whole period the torch has been in the county.
Perhaps we should keep it here?[/p][/quote]They can do the 100m Butterfly in Manningham Baths, or the 'mirror' pond and the sprints in Horsfall Stadium.RuggerTyke

Apollo wrote…

Yorkshire has been particularly blessed with sunshine and good weather for the whole period the torch has been in the county. Perhaps we should keep it here?

They can do the 100m Butterfly in Manningham Baths, or the 'mirror' pond and the sprints in Horsfall Stadium.

Score: 0

RollandSmoke says...1:26pm Mon 25 Jun 12

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.RollandSmoke

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.

Score: 0

badford says...2:10pm Mon 25 Jun 12

30.000 welcome olympic torch. Build westfield we will all turn up to see That.

30.000 welcome olympic torch. Build westfield we will all turn up to see That.badford

30.000 welcome olympic torch. Build westfield we will all turn up to see That.

Score: 0

Prisoner Cell Block A says...2:28pm Mon 25 Jun 12

Pity more folk can't mobilise for something of some use to the City. A sit down demo with the countries media pointed at us would have highlighted many issues yesterday. Another chance gone.

Pity more folk can't mobilise for something of some use to the City. A sit down demo with the countries media pointed at us would have highlighted many issues yesterday. Another chance gone.Prisoner Cell Block A

Pity more folk can't mobilise for something of some use to the City. A sit down demo with the countries media pointed at us would have highlighted many issues yesterday. Another chance gone.

Score: 0

theoutsider says...2:52pm Mon 25 Jun 12

Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch relay in particular. “It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.” Tony Reeves gets to carry the torch ? well what a suprise on what basis would that be then ? surely it cannot be for his work in Bradford ? ...Lord Coe and Co at it again going out patting heads - its fantastic for Bradford ! give me strength on what level is the Olympics fantastic for Bradford ? what legacy will it leave in this down at heel town ? ZERO LEGACY is the answer as they used to say in Bratfud - its now't tae do wi thar.

Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch relay in particular.
“It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.”
Tony Reeves gets to carry the torch ? well what a suprise on what basis would that be then ? surely it cannot be for his work in Bradford ? ...Lord Coe and Co at it again going out patting heads - its fantastic for Bradford ! give me strength on what level is the Olympics fantastic for Bradford ? what legacy will it leave in this down at heel town ? ZERO LEGACY is the answer as they used to say in Bratfud - its now't tae do wi thar.theoutsider

Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch relay in particular. “It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.” Tony Reeves gets to carry the torch ? well what a suprise on what basis would that be then ? surely it cannot be for his work in Bradford ? ...Lord Coe and Co at it again going out patting heads - its fantastic for Bradford ! give me strength on what level is the Olympics fantastic for Bradford ? what legacy will it leave in this down at heel town ? ZERO LEGACY is the answer as they used to say in Bratfud - its now't tae do wi thar.

Score: 0

theoutsider says...2:56pm Mon 25 Jun 12

RollandSmoke wrote…

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.

Spot on...in the old days the 'locals' would a trapsed darn 't'City' drag em all out of City Hall and stuck in the stocks, rotten fruit, veg and sewage would have been slung their way now that would pack the Watter Park !

[quote][p][bold]RollandSmoke[/bold] wrote:
I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.[/p][/quote]Spot on...in the old days the 'locals' would a trapsed darn 't'City' drag em all out of City Hall and stuck in the stocks, rotten fruit, veg and sewage would have been slung their way now that would pack the Watter Park !theoutsider

RollandSmoke wrote…

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.

Spot on...in the old days the 'locals' would a trapsed darn 't'City' drag em all out of City Hall and stuck in the stocks, rotten fruit, veg and sewage would have been slung their way now that would pack the Watter Park !

Score: 0

theoutsider says...3:00pm Mon 25 Jun 12

Notice the clever direction of the photograph not daring to catch the delapidated Odeon building all hidden from view behind the tarpauling sheets torn away by the wind.

Notice the clever direction of the photograph not daring to catch the delapidated Odeon building all hidden from view behind the tarpauling sheets torn away by the wind.theoutsider

Notice the clever direction of the photograph not daring to catch the delapidated Odeon building all hidden from view behind the tarpauling sheets torn away by the wind.

Score: 0

RuggerTyke says...3:03pm Mon 25 Jun 12

How do you flog a dead horse ?, burn some candle and make a parade of it.

How do you flog a dead horse ?,
burn some candle and make a parade of it.RuggerTyke

How do you flog a dead horse ?, burn some candle and make a parade of it.

Score: 0

Corporal says...3:37pm Mon 25 Jun 12

badford wrote…

30.000 welcome olympic torch. Build westfield we will all turn up to see That.

I'd turn up to see that

[quote][p][bold]badford[/bold] wrote:
30.000 welcome olympic torch. Build westfield we will all turn up to see That.[/p][/quote]I'd turn up to see thatCorporal

badford wrote…

30.000 welcome olympic torch. Build westfield we will all turn up to see That.

I'd turn up to see that

Score: 0

Get a life says...5:28pm Mon 25 Jun 12

The road closers were absolutely shambles, there were no diversion signs, it took me one and half hour to get from bd8 to bd2.

The road closers were absolutely shambles, there were no diversion signs, it took me one and half hour to get from bd8 to bd2.Get a life

The road closers were absolutely shambles, there were no diversion signs, it took me one and half hour to get from bd8 to bd2.

Score: 0

aje2010 says...5:29pm Mon 25 Jun 12

Putting negatives aside, because every once in a while 'you really should be able to do that, it was a fantastic day. My family and I had a great time, met lovely people and even the weather behaved. There is lots to be done in Bradford but that's for another day...

Putting negatives aside, because every once in a while 'you really should be able to do that, it was a fantastic day. My family and I had a great time, met lovely people and even the weather behaved. There is lots to be done in Bradford but that's for another day...aje2010

Putting negatives aside, because every once in a while 'you really should be able to do that, it was a fantastic day. My family and I had a great time, met lovely people and even the weather behaved. There is lots to be done in Bradford but that's for another day...

Score: 0

jh137 says...7:33pm Mon 25 Jun 12

We went as a family to Shelf to see it go past, shame none of the police escorts as the convoy went along Halifax Road bothered to stop and inform anyone stood waiting,and there were plenty, that there wouldnt be any torch bearers on that stretch.It certainly made a special memory for our teenage son (just not the sort we expected).

We went as a family to Shelf to see it go past, shame none of the police escorts as the convoy went along Halifax Road bothered to stop and inform anyone stood waiting,and there were plenty, that there wouldnt be any torch bearers on that stretch.It certainly made a special memory for our teenage son (just not the sort we expected).jh137

We went as a family to Shelf to see it go past, shame none of the police escorts as the convoy went along Halifax Road bothered to stop and inform anyone stood waiting,and there were plenty, that there wouldnt be any torch bearers on that stretch.It certainly made a special memory for our teenage son (just not the sort we expected).

Score: 0

Rambo says...8:15pm Mon 25 Jun 12

theoutsider wrote…

Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch relay in particular. “It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.” Tony Reeves gets to carry the torch ? well what a suprise on what basis would that be then ? surely it cannot be for his work in Bradford ? ...Lord Coe and Co at it again going out patting heads - its fantastic for Bradford ! give me strength on what level is the Olympics fantastic for Bradford ? what legacy will it leave in this down at heel town ? ZERO LEGACY is the answer as they used to say in Bratfud - its now't tae do wi thar.

This. . What a f'ing con the way Reeves of all people can be a torch bearer after the way he's ballsed up the city and collected his gigantic salary. It wouldn't surprise me if he managed to worm himself and some of his cronies into the pretty plush events at the Olympics, all expenses paid and all that.

[quote][p][bold]theoutsider[/bold] wrote:
Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch relay in particular.
“It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.”
Tony Reeves gets to carry the torch ? well what a suprise on what basis would that be then ? surely it cannot be for his work in Bradford ? ...Lord Coe and Co at it again going out patting heads - its fantastic for Bradford ! give me strength on what level is the Olympics fantastic for Bradford ? what legacy will it leave in this down at heel town ? ZERO LEGACY is the answer as they used to say in Bratfud - its now't tae do wi thar.[/p][/quote]This.
.
What a f'ing con the way Reeves of all people can be a torch bearer after the way he's ballsed up the city and collected his gigantic salary. It wouldn't surprise me if he managed to worm himself and some of his cronies into the pretty plush events at the Olympics, all expenses paid and all that.Rambo

theoutsider wrote…

Bradford Council chief executive, Tony Reeves, who will be a torch bearer in Scunthorpe tomorrow, said: “This just shows how much the Olympics is capturing the public’s imagination – the torch relay in particular. “It is fantastic to see young people being inspired and fantastic for Bradford.” Tony Reeves gets to carry the torch ? well what a suprise on what basis would that be then ? surely it cannot be for his work in Bradford ? ...Lord Coe and Co at it again going out patting heads - its fantastic for Bradford ! give me strength on what level is the Olympics fantastic for Bradford ? what legacy will it leave in this down at heel town ? ZERO LEGACY is the answer as they used to say in Bratfud - its now't tae do wi thar.

This. . What a f'ing con the way Reeves of all people can be a torch bearer after the way he's ballsed up the city and collected his gigantic salary. It wouldn't surprise me if he managed to worm himself and some of his cronies into the pretty plush events at the Olympics, all expenses paid and all that.

Score: 0

10steve says...9:59pm Mon 25 Jun 12

At least Bradford had some one from the town carrying the torch. keighley had some one from Surrey but based in Leeds !! a guy from North in Cheshire and one from Manchester!!!, what a kick in the teeth for locals in the town that have done great things in sport or for various charities. ! shame on you !

At least Bradford had some one from the town carrying the torch.
keighley had some one from Surrey but based in Leeds !! a guy from North in Cheshire and one from Manchester!!!, what a kick in the teeth for locals in the town that have done great things in sport or for various charities. ! shame on you !10steve

At least Bradford had some one from the town carrying the torch. keighley had some one from Surrey but based in Leeds !! a guy from North in Cheshire and one from Manchester!!!, what a kick in the teeth for locals in the town that have done great things in sport or for various charities. ! shame on you !

Score: 0

a reasonable sort of chap says...12:18am Tue 26 Jun 12

RollandSmoke wrote…

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.

Ha ha, yes, just like a Frankenstein film! Personally I was hoping a few stray sparks might set light to the Jobcentre!

[quote][p][bold]RollandSmoke[/bold] wrote:
I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.[/p][/quote]Ha ha, yes, just like a Frankenstein film! Personally I was hoping a few stray sparks might set light to the Jobcentre!a reasonable sort of chap

RollandSmoke wrote…

I've long dreamt of seeing torches and large crowds outside the town hall although in my dream more of the crowd had torches and others had pitchforks.

Ha ha, yes, just like a Frankenstein film! Personally I was hoping a few stray sparks might set light to the Jobcentre!

Score: 0

RollandSmoke says...1:39am Tue 26 Jun 12

Were the olympic mascots there? Wunlock, Mandevil? There's something creepy about these one eyed illuminati alien freaks with their Nazi style salutes. I expect their names to be chanted back and forth across the Zion stadium throughout the games. Not quite as creepy as the Rockerfeller foundation's prediction of 13,000 dead at the 2012 Olympics but creepy non the less.

Were the olympic mascots there? Wunlock, Mandevil? There's something creepy about these one eyed illuminati alien freaks with their Nazi style salutes. I expect their names to be chanted back and forth across the Zion stadium throughout the games. Not quite as creepy as the Rockerfeller foundation's prediction of 13,000 dead at the 2012 Olympics but creepy non the less.RollandSmoke

Were the olympic mascots there? Wunlock, Mandevil? There's something creepy about these one eyed illuminati alien freaks with their Nazi style salutes. I expect their names to be chanted back and forth across the Zion stadium throughout the games. Not quite as creepy as the Rockerfeller foundation's prediction of 13,000 dead at the 2012 Olympics but creepy non the less.

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